DRIVERS for Leeds council passenger transport services will start a 20-day strike over safety fears tomorrow.

Nearly 80 Unite members are involved in dispute including drivers who take service users, including children and adults with learning difficulties, special needs and complex health problems, to locations such as schools, respite placements, medical appointments and community centres. 

Others involved in the dispute provide passenger assistance and office support for the service.

The union warned of a “noticeable decline in the service due to funding cuts” over the past 18 months, with workers left without “vital equipment such as restraints, inadequate first aid and no risk assessments.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is completely unacceptable that council cuts are not only putting our hardworking members at risk but also people who rely on this vital service.”

Strikes are planned until February 27.

Leeds City Council was contacted for comment.